This exhibition focuses on the conservation and scientific analysis of incredibly well-preserved finds from the London shipwreck. It also tells the story of the final journey of the finds from the seabed to their ultimate home at Southend Museums, and the lives of those on board, through personal objects and groundbreaking conservation work.
The London was built in 1654-56 at Chatham during the Interregnum and played an important role in British and European history, serving in both the Cromwellian and Restoration navies. The ship saw action during the Anglo-Spanish war and was later part of a convoy that collected Charles II from the Netherlands and carried the future James VII and II back to England at the time of the restitution of the monarchy. In 1665 the ship sank in the Thames estuary following a mysterious gunpowder explosion, a tragic event noted in the diary of Samuel Pepys that saw the death of 300 people.
Southend Central Museum has previously explored the history of the wreck, and an exquisite cannon found at the wreck site remains on permanent display in the museum. However, this exhibition takes a closer look at the meticulous conservation work and ongoing scientific and academic research that has taken place to draw out the secrets of the London’s objects. It will offer visitors a rarely glimpsed insight into the incredible work that goes into conserving, preserving and presenting marine archaeology.
‘The London Shipwreck: Her Final Voyage’ offers visitors a chance to see a range of incredibly well-preserved organic objects, such as leather book covers, that have been painstakingly analysed and conserved. The exhibition has been made possible through research commissioned by Historic England and conservation led by Angela Middleton, Senior Archaeological Conservator at Historic England. A monograph detailing the programme of archaeological excavations, presenting the results of the recovered finds assessment, and subsequent analyses and the conservation of the materials will be published by Cotswold Archaeology in the near future.
The exhibition features a range of incredible objects including personal items and navigational tools as well as a unique and never-before displayed 17th century gun carriage, one of the few surviving examples of its kind, which has been expertly conserved. There is truly something for visitors of all ages and the exhibition also includes interactive and educational activities for children.
Jools McCusker Maxwell, Curator of Archaeology at Southend Museums:
“This exhibition has been a wonderful opportunity to display a selection of the extensive collection of London objects that we hold at Southend Museums. Exploring the painstaking conservation and expert analyses of the objects, alongside the historical narrative of life on board, we hope ‘The London Shipwreck: Her Final Voyage’ will enlighten visitors on what happens to archaeological objects after they are excavated. The story of the London shipwreck has captivated locals and is a site of international significance. We can’t wait for visitors from the local community and beyond to experience the show.”